A letter from our director and co-founder.

Dear Friend,
Welcome to our website and many thanks for taking the time to learn about The Place of Refuge. I have worked in the inner city of North Philadelphia for over 17 years. It has been an honor and great responsibility to serve the wonderful people in this community. Many of you will not meet those whom I have counseled throughout the years. Their life stories are a combination of joy, suffering, and, above all, perseverance. I am amazed at the resiliency of these dear people in the midst of chronic depression, anxiety, crises and disappointments. Some are grieving the senseless murder of their children, yet in spite of this great suffering they continue to believe in love and hope for a better future.

It is a dream come true for me to continue serving this population alongside such talented and dedicated colleagues in a community-based center such as ‘Refuge’. Please continue to learn more about us, and if you are able, make a financial contribution. I promise that your partnership will be respected and honored, and that your contribution will make a real difference in relieving suffering in someone’s life. .

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Hernandez
Director & Co-Founder, The Place of Refuge